Chicago Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list following a fractured left middle finger. The injury occurred during Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles when Bellinger was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning from lefty reliever Cionel Perez. Despite initially remaining in the game, Bellinger was later replaced by Miles Mastrobuoni.
Following this setback, the Cubs have recalled Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa. Canario, a 23-year-old prospect, will now get his shot at the major leagues at a crucial juncture for the Cubs. Entering Thursday's game, Bellinger was hitting .269/.331/.410 (107 OPS+) with nine home runs, 37 RBIs, and five stolen bases. This level of performance, contributing 1.1 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, underscores the impact of his absence.
Implications of the Injury
Bellinger’s injury couldn't come at a more trying time for the Cubs. The team currently holds a 44-49 record, sitting 10 games back in the National League Central and 3 1/2 games shy of the NL's final wild-card spot. With a challenging series against the St. Louis Cardinals looming after wrapping up their series with the Orioles, the absence of Bellinger adds another layer of difficulty to the Cubs’ uphill battle.
Trade Deadline Considerations
The timing of Bellinger's injury also raises questions about the Cubs' strategy leading up to the trade deadline. An insider emphasized, "With the way the season has spiraled for the Cubs, we think they have to at least contemplate listening to offers for Bellinger." This becomes even more pertinent given Bellinger's three-year contract allows him to opt out after each season, making his long-term presence on the roster uncertain. "Remember, his three-year pact allows him to opt out after each season, meaning there's no actual assurance either way that he'll be on Chicago's roster come Opening Day 2025," the insider added.
Nevertheless, Bellinger is not enjoying the same level of success he had in 2023. "We'll concede that Bellinger isn't having as good of a year as he did in 2023, and that teams may have additional concerns about his unusual profile as a result," noted an insider. This could reduce his trade value or make other teams hesitant to acquire him, fearing he might opt-in and underperform. "That, in turn, could make it more likely that he stays in place — either because teams are concerned he'll opt-in and decline, or because teams try to use that possibility to leverage the Cubs into a worse return," the insider said.
Looking Forward
Despite his current form, Bellinger is still considered an above-average contributor. "A well-timed heater between now and the deadline could change things, however, and even in this current reality, he's an above-average contributor capable of standing in center field. That's something," an insider commented. His ability to perform at a high level in the weeks leading up to the deadline will be critical in determining his and the Cubs' future.
The Cubs have turned to Alexander Canario, promoting the young outfielder from their Triple-A affiliate, to fill the void left by Bellinger. The coming games will be crucial for the Cubs as they navigate this period without one of their key players. The team's management, coaching staff, and fans will be closely watching how Canario adapts to the majors and whether the Cubs can maintain their competitiveness in a tight NL race.
As Bellinger turns 29 this Saturday, both he and the Cubs will be hoping for a swift recovery and a quick return to form, aiming to salvage a season that is teetering on the brink.